User:EML4500.F08.RAMROD.B/Homework 1

=Finite Element Analysis=

Finite Element Analysis, otherwise known as the Finite Element Method, is a technique used to attain solutions to Partial differential equations(ODE's) and integral equations. This method is most often used to solve ODE's over complex domains. This class will focus on learning how to use and apply this method to real world situations in which it is necessary to determine the tendencies of a system.

The goal of this course is to avoid the old ad-hoc structure of analysis and to encourage true learning and judgment of correctness.

This course will not be conducted in the usual manner. Instead of the old method of simple lecture notes and homework assignments, Wikiversity will be used to post the concepts we learn in class as well as the problems that are assigned to us for homework. At first glance this structure seems like a lot of work and as well as a hindrance to the learning experience, but if an in depth look at the new system is taken, one would emerge with a greater appreciation of what is being accomplished.

=Wikiversity and The Class=

What is Wikiversity

Wikiversity is part of the Wikimedia Foundation, which is a foundation in which provides free content to its users. It is a very large server-based software that allows its users to create articles on any topic of their choosing. The incredible aspect of this software is that anyone who has an account with any Mediawiki project can go into that article and make corrections. The ability to edit any article allows for an environment that promotes collaborative learning.

Questions may arise as to the quality of contributions made to an article found on any of the Mediawiki projects. For example, an article may be writen that doesn't contain a single factual statement. In this case, the administrators in charge of overseeing all activities within the domain will quickly eliminate the article. Another example is that of a contribution made to an article already approved by the administrators. The contribution will be reviewed and either accepted or rejected. If rejected, the last acceptable saved copy of the article gets uploaded back onto the Wiki. This brings up another advantageous aspect of the software. When an edit is made and saved to any article, a copy of that article is stored in a database and will remain there until the MediWiki software is shut down. This means that any copy of any article can be retrieved by simply going into the history of that article and searching for the needed copy. This function serves as a solution to vandalism to articles as well. It is almost always safe to assume that information posted on Mediawiki software are correct.

Advantages of Wikiversity

There are numerous advantages to using a Mediawiki software such as Wikiversity, the first of which would be learning through collaboration and teamwork. Teamwork has been proven to be one of the most effective ways of learning and deploying this method in the classroom is absolutely essential. Not only is this a collaboration of the team, but it's also a collaboration of the class because each team can view and learn from other team contribution. Taking it even a step further, this software allows there to be a collaboration between the class and the professor.

Another important advantage of using such a software is that a user will forever have the information they input into the database for future reference. This is a great aspect of the software that allows the user to go back and review the material they learned whenever they need a little reminder of concepts.